Places of Interest - Colombia

"Santuario de las Lajas" has grown into a small village among it’s main attraction - the somewhat mystical, peculiar cathedral built on the spot where "the Virgin Mary" appeared on the 40 meter vertical rock against where the cathedral was built. Even if you are not religious at all, this is a place you have to go see, as it is unique (in Colombia). It is located 7 kilometers from Ipiales (which is almost on the border with Ecuador) and there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants to keep you busy, besides the unique opportunity to stay in a beautiful hostel with (nightly) view of the total illuminated cathedral in the valley below. 

Ipiales - Santuario: there are collectivos from the bus station (terminal) in Ipiales (shared taxis that depart when they are full) which take about fifteen minutes to arrice in Santuario. If there are 5 people in the taxi you pay p.p. 2000 COL. Unfortunately I was alone (very late) and had to pay 6000 COL.

Santuario - Ipiales - Rummacacha (border Ecuador): See above for the route before returning to Ipiales. There are minibuses at the terminal in Ipiales that take you to the border for 1600 COL. The van goes further than if you want - do not forget to go to the emigration of Colombia first to get an exit stamp.

• Name: "Casa Pastoral"

Address: near the handball field to see from the place where you are dropped by taxi.

Price: 15,000 (including toilet and shower)

Phone nr. : 775 4463, 316 740 0601

Email: www.sanctuaiodelaslajas.org

Content:

This old monastery lies on the road to the cathedral and is large enough to accommodate an entire orphanage. In the past, nuns lived in this area and in this place and that is clearly noticeable at the two courtyards and the "inside church" with religious wall drawings and an altar. The rooms are big enough and have a great shower - it is clean and

some (like mine) have a great view of the cathedral in the valley. Unfortunately you do not get a piece of soap, toilet roll and towel but the water is boiling hot - and that is an exception in Colombia. You must be inside at 21:00 (curfew). There is WIFI but it did not work when I was there (unfortunately).

If you have traveled all over Colombia you have most likely been everything the world has to offer - only a spectacular church was still missing on you’re list; at the last minute (before you’re exit of Colombia) you can visit this and a tip - visit this cathedral during the day when it is crowded with pilgrims and tourists but stay overnight in "Casa Pastoral (see above) and go in the evening when everyone is gone (at about 07:30 pm) back; a magical place where you are completely alone with the cathedral - unique event.